04/07/2022 (Agence Europe) – “We sincerely regret the injuries and loss of life, and continue to follow developments closely” in Uzbekistan, the European External Action Service spokeswoman said on Monday 4 July. Major demonstrations took place last week, following a proposed amendment to the Constitution that would strip the Uzbek administrative region of Karakalpakstan of its autonomy. The authorities’ crackdown on the protests resulted in injuries and several deaths, as acknowledged by the Uzbek President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The EU calls on both sides to exercise restraint to avoid further violence and urges the authorities to ensure respect for human rights, including freedom of expression and assembly. After the events of the weekend, the Uzbek president indicated that the reform of the constitution would not change the status of Karakalpakstan after all. (LM)